The Blues confirmed Abramovich spoke to Villas-Boas during a rare visit to the clubâs training ground on Saturday before attending Sundayâs Premier League game at Stamford Bridge.

But they insist the Russian billionaire remains fully behind the 34-year-oldâs project, following a report he had become frustrated with recent results.

A spokesman said: âRoman likes to get down to Cobham and watch training whenever he can.

âHe was able to visit on Saturday and he and Andre had a good chat after the training session, which is normal.â

Iron fist: Abramovich at Stamford Bridge (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)

It is thought Saturday was the first time Abramovich had watched Chelsea train this season, with the 45-year-oldâs focus having been on his court case with former associate Boris Berezovsky.

He spent 35 minutes casting his eye over the session before spending another 20 speaking with Villas-Boas.

He also spent half an hour talking to players in the dressing room after Sundayâs game, which saw Chelsea controversially held to a draw having led 3-0.

The match provided just the kind of entertainment Abramovich is believed to demand, but represented more points lost from a winning position.

Juan Mata, who scored a stunning volley and also set up the third goal, told Chelsea TV: âAfter that, the game was crazy. It was so fast, without midfielders, and it was box to box.â

The winger, who joined from Valencia last summer, added: âHere, itâs faster than Spain. Until the 90th minute, you havenât got the three points. Man United is a very, very good team and they always try to win and to draw.â